NHL Picks

Ben Kindel is centering Pittsburgh’s top line without Sidney Crosby in the lineup. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 3.8 shots on 6.3 attempts over four games.

Kindel has logged 17+ minutes in two of the last three, well above his season average of 15:24. More opportunity equals more shots on goal.

Karlsson has notched five goals and 34 assists in ‘25-26, and he’s cashed the Over in three straight. During that three-game stretch, he’s scored a goal, registered two helpers against the Vegas Golden Knights, while also setting up another goal against the New York Rangers over the weekend. 

Matthews has gone Over this line in back-to-back games, registering 14 shots across his last two outings. Additionally, Matthews is averaging 3.76 shots per game throughout his career against New York. 

Winnipeg has multiple key players injured and has only scored 11 times across four games out of the Olympic break. A date with Lightning won’t help the Jets score, either. Tampa Bay has allowed the second-fewest goals per game (2.64) and third-fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five, after all.

Kucherov has scored in three of his last four games since the league hit pause for the Winter Olympics. While the Bolts haven’t faced the Winnipeg Jets yet this season, Kucherov has potted 19 goals in 28 road games, and Tampa is in Manitoba this evening to take on the Jets. 

The Flames are 3-6-3 since trading defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Senators are 7-3-2 during the same stretch. Ottawa also ranks third in expected goals percentage at five-on-five with an overall plus-12 goal differential during the run, and Calgary respectively checks in 17th in xGF% with a minus-14 mark.

Stutzle has cashed the Over in helpers in three straight contests. During that span, he has four assists. Despite a loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, he did his part, registering a pair of helpers. The Sens are visiting the Calgary Flames tonight, and Stutzle has already notched an assist against them this season in one meeting. 

The New York Islanders sit tied for 4th in goals allowed per game, leading to low-scoring contests – particularly against sound defensive teams like the Kings. Isolating matchups with Top-10 goal suppression teams, the Islanders have played 10 straight games featuring five goals or fewer.